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How to become great at basketball
How to become great at basketball
How to Become a Better Basketball Player
Do you play basketball? Have you ever thought of becoming the best player in the court? This article is here to help you improve your basketball skills and become the best in the game. You have seen the list of the best basketball players in the world.
The likes of LeBron James, Michael Jordan, the late Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson all started like you. All they had was a dream and no skills. How did they make it? What made them rise to become the best basketball players of their times? Was it their condition, skills, strength, agility, and power?
In this article, we’ll look at the best tips you can borrow to become the best basketball player. Let’s go!
Be fearless
Do not be afraid to fail. It is through mistakes that we learn. Always encourage yourself to beat the records you have set. Do not see yourself as weak or someone who can’t do it. Never mind what your friends, family, or teammates will say. Try to overcome your fears. Hit the gym, train hard, and go the extra mile to improve your weaknesses. Avoid saying there is a stretch or part you can’t play. Try harder, and in the end, you will notice some good results.
Know your role
Know where you have been positioned in your team. Remember that you are not working alone but as a part of a team. Know your position on the court and acknowledge it. You can’t be everywhere, doing everything. If you are not comfortable with the role you have been allocated, talk to your teammates or coach. Ask for a change to a more suitable position.
By knowing your part, you will put all your skills into it, practice and hone your skills to become the best. Also, understand who is your immediate teammate, your role mate, and what roles your teammates are taking.
Learn and study the game
Always try to learn and practice the game to be the best. There are many resources out there that you can read or watch to become the best basketball player. YouTube can be an excellent platform for training.
Vertical jumps, especially, can be hard to learn if you are new in the game. Luckily for you, this excellent vertical jump resource has done the hard digging for you, with a review of the top exercises you can utilize to enhance your vertical jumps quickly.
As opposed to most exercises out there that can be faulty, these are known to deliver the right results within a short timeframe. You only need to set your goals and dedicate yourself to them.
You might have the best skills, but without dedication, you won’t succeed. Understand the game and dedicate yourself to becoming an all-time performer.
Give your all
When practicing, playing or training, always try to give your best. Do not look at what anyone else is offering. Just try to be you and give it all you have. Avoid excuses and complaints, and always try to accept criticisms and corrections from your coach or people who are more experienced than you.
Take mistakes as a stepping stone and accept where you are wrong while improving on your weaknesses. Errors enable every individual to enhance, so make them work to your benefit.
Keep improving your skills
Being skilled in a game does not mean you stop acquiring more. Always try to learn from others and also through online platforms. With the advancement of the internet and other learning modules, you can easily acquire new skills even without paying for them.
Remember, in any field, the more you focus on one thing, the more you lose on improving others. It would be best if no skills were left behind. Follow the trends and be updated on every aspect of your game.
Avoid complaints
Do not be a complainer when you lose something. Never blame your coach or teammates when something does not work out. Be responsible and always learn how to fix issues. However, you need to accept that some situations are not within your control and always avoid anger, stress, and bad attitudes towards your teammates.
If possible, always encourage team building to bond with your teammates. Avoid evil thoughts and emotions while in the game. Focus on scoring and give it your best.
There are other tips which you can also borrow that include training both your body and mind, along with developing other capabilities. In this article, we have discussed some of the main aspects of improvement, hoping they will help you in your basketball career. Always try to give your best no matter the situation.
There is much competition out there, and everyone at any time hopes to outshine you. Use the advice provided in this article plus others to make yourself better. Provide your best to be on the top of your game.
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How to become a better basketball player, according to NBA legends
You play pickup ball with your friends each week, but you can’t seem to keep up.
You’ve been working hard in the gym, hitting the weights to boost your fitness, but nothing seems to be working. The best way to sharpen your skills on the court? By picking up tips, tricks, and training suggestions from some of the best professionals in the sport.
Whether it’s boosting your speed, stamina, shooting, or mental toughness, we have some options for you to help your pickup skills.
Here’s your basketball training guide:
PassingJason Kidd – former NBA point guard, Milwaukee Bucks head coach
Back when he was age 34, Jason Kidd had one of his best seasons, joining greats Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson as the only players to average at least 13 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds per game. Kidd shares some tips on how to deliver pinpoint passes and achieve your personal triple-double: strength, speed, and endurance.
Passing Skills
“I always felt passing isn’t so much working on passing as it is anticipation: What does the eye see, and can the mind relay that to my body? What does this guy like to do? Does he like to go right or left? If I see somebody is going backdoor, can I get it to him in stride so that he can catch and finish?”
Hand-Eye Coordination
“How do you work on sight and passing? Try to throw a strikeout in the [batter’s] box. If you are playing strikeout with a buddy, if you see he doesn’t like the ball inside, can you throw on the inside corner on the plate consistently? I think this is good for anybody with a son or daughter—can you throw pitches to an 8-year-old consistently where you know he or she can hit it? Can you throw the ball so it is in their sweet spot? That isn’t a very easy thing to do.”
In the Gym
“I do a lot of leg work—stepups with 30-pound dumbbells, leg press, calves and calfraises—and I do situps in between each set. I’m a big fan of Pilates for maintaining your strength. I can go an hour or 30 minutes to stretch and work on my flexibility and my abs. I don’t run a lot, but I do try to swim five times a week. I also play one-on-one with a good friend not so much to beatng him but more to chase him, stay in front of him, andmove my feet.”
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StaminaKobe Bryant – Retired NBA legend, Los Angeles Lakers
When he was at his peak, Bryant was the NBA’s best overall scorer. Over the years Bryant bulked up with a regimen that combined Olympic lifts with track work. He shared his secrets for playing with the same intensity each time you hit the court.
Conditioning
“You want to make sure you go into the upcoming season in tip-top shape. My conditioning comes from running, whether it’s on a track, on a field, or on the court itself just doing suicides or sprints. Whatever your program is, the key is to push yourself to a level where you’re hurting. You can’t gain conditioning without going through it. You’re going to have to feel some pain, you’re going to have to feel like your lungs are burning, that sort of thing.”
Consistency
“If you watch me train, it doesn’t look like I’m overexerting myself. It’s an everyday thing. You have to abide by your program religiously.”
In the Gym
“During the season, I focus a lot on weight training, building up my strength level as the season progresses. Clean pulls, deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts, back squats, things of that nature. In the off-season, it’s about getting stronger as well as more agile. Then, obviously, you want to get on the court and work on your skills. I shoot between 750 and 1,000 makes a day.”
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ShootingCuttino Mobley – Former Houston Rockets, L.A. Clippers guard
The former Clippers and Rockets guard was one of the best 3-point shooters in the league during his playing days. Here’s how to shore up your own longdistance stroke.
Warm-Up
“Start in at the rim, almost like a layup with jump-shot form, and shoot about 100 shots inside, then start moving farther out. It’ll just become muscle memory from repetition.”
Proper Form
“Tuck your elbow and line it up with your knee, and don’t shoot at the rim, shoot up over it. Put some air under the ball so you give it a chance to go in. Pretend you’re picking an apple out of the basket. Reach up, go inside the basket with your release, andfollow through with your index and middle fingers. That’s what your form should be: up, pick the apple out of the basket, then back down. You don’t want to be leaning back when you shoot, either; you just want to go straight up and come down on the same spot.”
In the Gym
“Do as many pushups pullups, and dips as you can. Your jump shot comes from your triceps and your wrist strength. You don’t have to be lifting all those weights to shoot.”
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SpeedLeandro Barbosa – Phoenix Suns guard
Leandro Barbosa, “the Brazilian Blur,” previously won the Sixth Man Award earlier in his career, partly because he’s proven himself to be faster than just about anybody in the NBA. His experience will help improve your speed.
Take Up Soccer
“When I was a kid, I used to play soccer without shoes on the street. I don’t have a lot of ball-handling skills like Steve Nash, but my thing is just to get the ball down the court and score. Soccer really helped me develop my quick feet.”
In the Gym
“I don’t do a lot of upper-body stuff, but I do leg presses, Romanian deadlifts, and some other lower-body work every day. I also try to do exercises while I’m wearing a weighted shirt. People say it can be bad for your knees, but I do a lot of exercises with it on to keep my legs strong. Sometimes, I’ll just walk around the locker room with it on. Then, when I take it off, I can really feel the difference.”
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Mental ToughnessGilbert Arenas – Former Washington Wizards guard
“Basketball is all mental,” says eccentric guard Gilbert Arenas. “Everyone’s talent is the same, but the mental aspect separates stars from superstars.” Heed his advice and be as tough upstairs as this former clutch shooter.
Redirect Your Energy
“My confidence got hurt coming into the league [Arenas was drafted 31st overall in the second round; he expected to go higher], but after seeing an old highlight tape, I realized that it’s just basketball. I put all my frustration and energy into basketball for two weeks. I did it, and I got to play, and I just decided that [my intensity] is what got me on [the team], and this is what’s going to keep me on it.”
Find a Training Partner
“You need someone to challenge you, because it keeps you motivated. He’s going to make you work hard for what you do. You need somebody like that.”
The Psychology of Game Winners
“When we play pickup games, I won’t shoot the ball until it’s the last shot,” says Arenas. “I’m the only one who’s going to take it all the way until we lose or we win. I’ve been doing that for the last three years. You have to have that mind-set: If you don’t make it, you have to live with it. As many shots as Michael Jordan’s made, he’s missed three times as many.”
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For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
Tips from experienced masters: how to become the best basketball player
Basketball is gaining more and more popularity every year. Today you will learn a few simple guidelines that will help beginners build a path to a real professional. The development and improvement of mastery depends on how much a person can master the skills of independent development in this area.
Physical training is the basis of a good basketball player
All professional athletes, including basketball players, have a good and comprehensive physical development. In order to have an advantage over your opponents in this game, you must develop the following qualities: strength, speed, endurance, agility and coordination.
By training in the basketball section, you are most likely mastering general physical fitness. However, if you train only with the ball, then you will not be able to comprehensively develop your fitness. In order to achieve it, you need to take up other sports. For example, athletics - it will help develop endurance and speed. Other qualities can be developed with the help of specialized exercises.
Each sport is unique and has a priority of development of one criterion, others, of course, are also developing, but to a lesser extent.
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- There is no limit to perfection. Any, even the simplest technique, can be perfected over the years. Which one to focus on? Pay attention to your own body.
- Athletes must master many techniques with high quality and then try to use them during training games.
- If a basketball player constantly develops his technical skills, then in time he will become a virtuoso.
- You must master your strengths and over time work on getting rid of your weaknesses.
- Do not try to go too far at once, gradually master new movements.
- Beginners should learn the whole arsenal at once and understand where to focus.
- The player can choose his specialization after he has already mastered many techniques. And then choose your style of play.
Master yourself
You must remember that every workout allows you to master your movements more clearly. Do not be lazy, and if there are no valid circumstances, then do not skip classes. The main thing is regularity. Over time, you will develop a habit, and you will not be able to imagine your life without basketball. Get rid of your weaknesses and focus on your strengths.
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Practical tips that will make your game better
- Remember that every sport approves of elasticity muscles. Do your best to be flexible. Eliminate the possibility of injury due to lack of flexibility.
- Carefully study all the rules of the game. Find out what you can get a foul for, what is dribbling, rebounding, etc. Also, if you have a friend who can pass on some knowledge to you, be sure to chat with him.
- Practice basic movements. Become your own coach, choose a sports ground that you like and train hard on it. Move at different paces, throw the ball into the air and catch it as you move. Practice throws into the ring from different angles.
- Practice with other basketball players. Learn all the terms and definitions and start using them regularly. They should fit tightly into your vocabulary.
- You must be a good friend. Pass often, occupy an open area in order to help another team member who is blocked.
- Come up with new tricks. Start with simple ones and gradually complicate them. Be patient and keep practicing until you succeed. Don't give up, be determined.
- Play at least once every two days, preferably every day. If you have the opportunity to go to the basketball court - by all means use it. Develop tolerance and a sense of devotion to basketball, and then you will definitely achieve certain heights.
- Play with peers. As a player, you need to know how your opponents handle the ball. If you can't beat them, then work harder. After solo workouts that focus on boosting ancillary qualities like speed and stamina, be sure to be the best on the court.
- Focus on dribbling. The only possible way to achieve great success is to be good at dribbling. You may be the most accurate basketball player on the planet, but you won't be a good player if you can't break through the opposing team's defense.
How to become a good basketball player?
- The main thing to remember is that hard work is the key to becoming a great basketball player. A cheerful spirit and self-confidence will definitely contribute to this.
- Remember that clever attacks are key.
- Eat healthy food. During the game you lose a lot of calories, recover well. Eat more protein and plant foods.
- When you play defense, always stand face to face with your opponent.
- Get used to constant interaction with teammates. Develop your signals.
- Remember that basketball is a team game where the team wins, not just one player. If you want to win, then be as united as possible.
- Be friendly and never scold other team members. If you think that you are better than them, then know that arrogance is a terrible character trait.
- You will win favor with the judges if you play fair.
- Earn the respect of your new teammates with a good game.
Top warnings to help you avoid big mistakes
- Never be afraid to throw the ball or attack if you think you're not ready. Also, never show off, let your partners know that you have your place and that you are a useful team member.
- Warm up well before playing. Do a light jog, then joint exercises and stretching. Flexibility while playing is a must. If you get hurt, you will blame yourself for it. So be smart.
- Get rid of stereotypes. You don't have to be tall to play basketball. Everyone can enjoy exercising.
- Do not show aggression towards other players, otherwise you will simply be escorted off the field. Treat your opponents with respect. It is clear that the release of adrenaline makes itself felt, but try to control yourself.
- Do not play basketball in enclosed spaces such as an apartment. The clatter of the ball can annoy your cohabitants. Moreover, you risk breaking something.
Keep your body in good physical shape
Sport involves the development of all physical abilities to one degree or another. To be a good basketball player, you need to keep fit, learn new tricks and learn new things.
Good athletes never miss a workout and constantly develop their skills. For many sports players, the ball is the meaning of life. Are you ready to sacrifice a lot in order to master it professionally?
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Jordan, Magic, Chamberlain. How to become an NBA legend?
White people can't jump? Is it possible to become a great basketball player with bad dribbling? Is it possible to be a point guard and a center at the same time? How to become an icon for several generations? The answers to these questions are given to us by the legendary NBA players who influenced the development of basketball. Read about them on Sportbox.ru
Bill Russell (NBA 19 player career)56–1969)
Offense is what has distinguished the NBA since its inception. With the advent of George Micon, many clubs realized that basketball is a game of big ones, although before that it was believed that basketball was just an exercise in speed and accuracy for ordinary athletes. The centers were piece goods, lucky coaches used their advantages to the fullest, and the kids had only to take in quantity and tirelessly bomb the opponent's ring. So both sides were doing the same thing: scoring points, only in different ways.
Russell showed that defense and team play can be the key to success. 11 league titles (most) in 13 years with Boston is just a number compared to his impact on basketball. The center of the "Celts" became the first who made block shots correctly, that is, covered the throw before it reached the highest point of the flight path. Long before Rodman, Duncan, and Garnett, there was Russell, who still ranks second in rebounding in the league. Russell relied on his ability to read the game, and not just on athleticism, which helped him in many ways to become the first African-American coach in NBA history. And, of course, without Russell there would be no confrontation with Wilt Chamberlain, the most significant duel of centers in the history of basketball.
Larry Bird (1979–1992)
A player who directly rivals Russell for the title of the greatest person to wear the Celtics jersey. A nondescript boy, pale as death, who grew up in the wilderness of provincial Indiana. Apart from height, Larry didn't have any data to become a basketball player. Slow, no jump, no muscle mass, a mediocre dribbler, a poor athlete, Byrd found his way to influence the game.
And before him there were players who skillfully attacked the ring, but the concept of a pure sniper took root only after the appearance of Byrd. The 33rd number of the "Celts" was the first to show that dominance is possible solely due to phenomenal accuracy. 50 percent sales from middle distance, 90 from the free throw line, 40 from behind the arc - all this at the same time and for many years. Over the course of his career, Bird has surpassed Michael Jordan in assists, three-point accuracy and rebounds (an average of 10 is not bad for someone who can't jump, right?). Probably the most popular white player. Due to his sniper talent and unparalleled leadership qualities, he opposed Dominic Wilkins, Isaiah Thomas, Julius Irving, Michael Jordan and, of course, the basketball player with whom the competition began even before both of them entered the NBA - with Magic Johnson.
Magic Johnson (1979–1996)
There is a category of players whose achievements can be surpassed, but whose style cannot be copied, Ervin Magic Johnson is the epitome of this type. The 206cm point guard co-wrote with Larry Bird the most popular college final in basketball history. The game between Michigan State and Indiana State, in which the Magic led his team to victory, was the impetus for the development of the scouting system. The process has become more complex and progressive, scouts have begun to use video surveillance systems more often, they have begun to pay more attention to the statistics of beginning basketball players.
In his first season, Johnson became the Rookie of the Year, the NBA Champion, and the Finals MVP. The only case when a debutant of the league managed to do this. At the same time, long before LeBron James, Magic showed that the future of the game lies in universalism. Throughout the season, Johnson periodically played in all positions, the apogee was the sixth match of the final series, when instead of the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson started at the center position. Then he scored 42 points, made 15 rebounds and handed out 7 assists.
Through his effervescent acting and rivalry with Larry Bird, Johnson caught the attention of the media, who realized just how lucrative sports broadcasts could be. Interest in the league on the part of ordinary people, advertising, coverage of basketball - Johnson made an invaluable contribution to all this, who, thanks to his cheerful disposition, talent as a showman and unique style of play, brought the league to a new stage of development.
Michael Jordan (1984–2003)
You must have done something very important if your name has been the standard for all basketball players in the world without exception for a quarter of a century. Books, treatises and doctoral dissertations are still being written about Jordan. With the advent of Jordan, the very principle of basketball changed, largely because of him, the term competitiveness began to be considered not just as competitiveness, but as a pathological, at the level of psychology, thirst for rivalry.
Jordan instinctively wanted to outperform everyone: teammates, rivals, those who questioned his ability, which is also why he still hasn't quit the Bobcats. The change also happened because Jordan hacked off the careers of those who could have made their most likely contribution to the development of the game - Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Reggie Miller. The list of those left without championship rings because of Michael can be continued.
The revolution in the world of sports fashion is also for Michael, signature sneakers were produced before him, but only Jordan managed to make a separate culture out of this. Records, victories, the principle of preparation, lifestyle - all this is imitated by the current basketball stars, and the more they try, the more unattainable the figure of Michael becomes.
Wilt Chamberlain (1959–1973)
Wilt Chamberlain was like a rare natural phenomenon. It arose at the dawn of the 60s, and the league immediately had to change the rules. At least five of them were rewritten solely in order to somehow limit the degree of Chamberlain's influence on the result. There is no one like Wilt and there never will be again. With all the limitations and peculiarities of the 60s and 70s in basketball, there will no longer be a person who would average 50 points per season, simply because he wanted to. 100 points in one game is like a symbol. Unlike archrival Bill Russell, Chamberlain was obsessed with records and individual achievement.